Day 246 The Goodness of God on Cape Cod Bay

Dear friends,

Why the Great One is so generous to the likes of me, I'll never figure out. But His goodness is not based on my performance (good thing) but on His grace.

You all know from reading these daily scribbles that a great motivator for Stephen's recovery has been the promise of our summer vacation on Cape Cod. This annual family trip means the world to us, and is packed with precious memories. I could cry with joy recalling one evening when my kids were still playing in the waves with their dad when it was actually getting dark! Those crazy kids (all 4 of them!) didn't know it was time to go home...Anyway, we have been happily anticipating our trip, especially this year, and looking forward to staying in the snug, rustic little cabin we rent every year (which we love!), only about 5 minutes drive from Coast Guard Beach.

Yesterday I received an email from Lynne A., one of our bloggies and a dear young woman I haven't seen in quite a while. Her grandparents own a home on Cape Cod, not far from where we stay. Her grandma, Sweet Cindy, a fellow pilgrim and incredibly kind and generous woman, felt the Great One wanted her to offer us their home for our vacation, for FREE, if it fell during the two open weeks she had available. (Thank you to her husband too, and may the Great One give it back to you both in multiples!) You've already guessed that yes, the week we have off is one of those 2 weeks. Their house has a wrap around porch overlooking Cape Cod Bay, and is not a snug little cabin but a real, furnished house, one minute (walking) from the beach. I called my husband to ask if he thought we should accept such a kind offer, and he had that sound in his voice like "what, have you gone mad, of course!". I have to tell you I got into the shower and sobbed like a baby, thinking of the absolute unmerited favor of our God, and the kindness of his people. That evening I spoke to Cindy, who hadn't known us at all, for about a half hour. She reassured me that the whole thing was real, and I tried, but failed, to express the profound gratitude I have for this gift.

When I think of myself lying on the floor of a bathroom near the PICU while my daughter was intubated and unconscious, not knowing if she would ever recover, and I consider this summer that same child given the chance to walk over the dune and onto the beach, I am beyond undone. I can only say once again, I can never pay it back. But I will do my very best to pay it forward.

Smitty had his MRI this morning, and he said he almost fell asleep in the machine! That's my man! Never had trouble falling asleep since the day we were married. But I sure am glad he woke up from that long nap back in November. I know he'll be overjoyed watching sunsets over the bay...

I'm blessed beyond measure. Way beyond.

Your friend on the pilgrim road,

Loriann